BROOKLYN (University of Arkansas/KY3/Edited Release) – Adou Thiero was selected 36th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the 47th Razorback drafted into the NBA and the 62nd player coached by John Calipari to be drafted during his 32-year collegiate career.
Thiero transferred to Arkansas for the 2024–25 season after spending two years at Kentucky and posted a breakout year with the Razorbacks. He tallied 407 of his 634 career points, 138 of 213 career field goals, and 120 of 187 career free throws during his lone season in Fayetteville. He also added 51 of his 87 career assists and 44 of 70 career steals.
2024–25 Season Highlights:
- Appeared in 27 games with 26 starts. Missed nine games, including eight of the final nine, due to a left knee hyperextension suffered on Feb. 22 vs. Missouri. Returned briefly in the Sweet 16, playing 5:22.
- Led Arkansas in multiple categories despite the missed time:
- Scoring: 15.1 PPG (407 total points)
- Rebounding: 5.8 RPG
- Steals: 1.63 SPG (44 total)
- Field Goal Percentage: 54.5%
- Free Throws Made/Attempted: 120-of-175
- Ranked:
- 2nd in the SEC and 46th nationally in FG%
- 9th in the SEC in FT attempts
- 14th in the SEC in steals
- 15th in FT made
- 16th in scoring
- Led the team in:
- Scoring 11 times
- Rebounding 12 times
- Steals 9 times (2nd-most on team)
- Became the 8th Razorback—and the only one to do so in fewer than 34 games—to record a season with 400+ points, 150+ rebounds, 50+ assists, 40+ steals, and 20+ blocks.
Draft and Historical Notes:
- 47th Razorback drafted in NBA history
- 11th Razorback selected in the second round
- 21st-highest draft pick in program history
- 3rd Razorback ever drafted by the Lakers, joining Patrick Beverley (2009) and Walt Kearns (1953)
- 8th Razorback drafted in the last seven NBA drafts
- 62nd player coached by John Calipari to be drafted
- Calipari has now had at least one player drafted in 18 consecutive NBA Drafts
Notable Razorback Second-Rounders:
- Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams – 2025 NBA Champions
- Jordan Walsh – 2024 NBA Champion
- Daniel Gafford – 2024 NBA runner-up
- Scott Hastings – 1990 NBA Champion
- Patrick Beverley – Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team honoree
Thiero’s combination of versatility, efficiency, and two-way impact made him a standout for the Razorbacks and a compelling choice for the Lakers as they look to bolster their backcourt depth.
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